Wednesday, September 29, 2010

My friend Emma recently gave me these two gorgeous French sewing pattern books. They were published in 1971 in French and Spanish and have the cutest children's clothes patterns. They are a bit like Ottobre in that you draft of the patterns from a giant sheet and there are instructions with no diagrams. I think I will be able to work out how to sew most of them, but some will be too tricky for me without the instructions (I speak no French or Spanish). I have searched the internet for more information but can't seem to find any, which is probably lucky. If I found any on ebay I'd want to buy them immediately.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

We are back from a great long weekend at the farm with my sisters and all the cousins. Mum thought some photos of all of them together would be nice and easy to organise. Here is the one good photo we took. It took a very large packet of marshmallows and many other bribes.

Friday, September 24, 2010

A new Oliver and S pattern - the Hopscotch Skirt and top and the Crepe dress from Colette. I love the smaller independent pattern companies that are around now. The instructions in these patterns are fantastic and I am hoping to get a chance to try them in the next few weeks. Platypii and caterpillars are winging their way to Retrospections.

The strawberries in the shop were cheap enough for jam yesterday. I can't see this lot lasting long.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

It is finished! My first Jump Rope Dress (it will be definitely the first of many). I used a green quilting fabric I found on sale at Spotlight and some Kei honeycomb as a contrast the same way Amy did on this dress.I made a size 4 as I bought the size 4-8 pattern and I just made it shorter. I tried it on Amelia who is 5 and the top fits, it just needs to be longer. I think I will make it in a size 5 or 6 though when I make theirs to allow for growth. I followed the pattern exactly for the pockets and they worked perfectly. Who knew things worked when you followed patterns!! might have to follow patterns a bit better in the future.I love this pattern, it did take a bit more work than I usually put into childrens clothes, but it was worth it.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

I know two posts in a day, but I finally sewed the button (thanks to this tutorial I have overcome my fear of sewing buttons on handknits) on Amelia's cardigan and took some pictures.The pattern is Little Miss Greenjeans. Yarn is Bendigo Rustic in Damson which has a different gauge than the pattern so it turned out a little big, but that is fine it is warming up here now so this will be great for next winter. More details on ravelry.

The collar is done. The sleeves are done. Now onto the pockets, hem and buttonholes.

The dollar is crazy high again at the moment which is great if you want to buy from overseas (mmm new shoes) but not so great if you are selling on Etsy. I think I am going to have to rethink prices soon. So if you want a bargain on toys, bags and patterns pop over to my Etsy shop before prices go up.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I cut the Jump Rope Dress out the other day and finally had the courage to sew the placket last night. I'm not sure what I was worried about. The instructions are very clear and Amy's tutorial was very helpful. It was done in no time. Now on to the rest.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

I am glad my sister and I bought a few metres of this fabric when we did as I have not seen it in Spotlight since. Evie loves the top I made her and has worn it a lot. These are for my nieces.This is from a pattern from Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom. I made this a couple of times last year, very quick and easy and can be worn as a dress of layered over long sleeved tops and leggings. A simple smock top - exactly like the one I made here.

A treat to myself this week, how could I resist? From Elk - I found one in stock here.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

It is Thursday and I think I have nearly recovered from last weekend.We all went to Perth for the weekend and managed to catch up with friends, go to the zoo, buy the children new shoes and get them to their grandparents so we could get to Upmarket on Sunday without them.Upmarket on Sunday was fantastic I had a great day, but due to an accident on the freeway we did not get home until 9 and all the children came down with colds on Monday. So we have had a very, very slow week.Some couch time has meant I finally cast off Amelia's Cardigan which is now blocking and waiting for a button and after a little sewing break I am ready to sew some new things for the girls.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Two more of these small quilts ready for Upmarket this weekend. So now I just have to pack, sort and organise everything for Upmarket and then do the same for three small children and I will be ready.Come and say hi if you are going - I will be in the Undercroft in the same place as last time.

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Another baby quilt - this time I have been free motion quilting in loops.

Eva made the move out of her cot yesterday. Chris packed it away and moved the spare double bed into her room. She went to sleep without any problems last night and I found Grace tucked up with her this morning.

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

There are a few fabrics I wish I had of bought an entire bolt of because I know I will never get tired of looking at them and I will never stop finding great projects for them. This little red riding hood fabric is one. I made Eva a little top a few years go and found some left over scraps the other day. Perfect for a drop bear's body. He can be found over here.